Emotional and Cognitive Impact of Virtual Patient Simulation ‎on Medical Students in The GCC: A Mixed-Methods Study

  • Authors

    https://doi.org/10.14419/6j5jt488

    Received date: July 28, 2025

    Accepted date: August 30, 2025

    Published date: September 6, 2025

  • Virtual Patient Simulation; Stress; Confidence; Clinical Decision-Making; Medical Education; Mixed Methods; Grounded Theory; GCC

  • Abstract

    This study investigates the emotional and cognitive transformations of medical students engaged in Body Interact Virtual Patient Simulation ‎‎(VPS) at Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain. This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach comprising pre/post surveys (N=35), tutor observations, and audio transcript analysis to investigate the progression from initial stress and diagnostic uncertainty to improved confidence ‎and clinical assurance. Quantitative results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in flow (Q12: p = 0.0069, d = 0.69) and ‎moderate enhancements in enjoyment and perceived absorption (Table 4.1). Emotional peaks, particularly fear and hesitation during Session ‎‎2, were documented through NRC sentiment analysis (Figure 4.4) and thematic audio coding (Table 4.6), while confidence steadily ‎increased across Sessions 4 and 5.‎

    A novel theoretical framework, the Dual-Phase Stress Adaptation Theory, was established through grounded theory analysis (Figure 4.5), ‎clarifying the phased transition from stress to confidence through scaffolded repetition and social feedback. The model was quantitatively ‎supported by OSCE performance correlations (r = 0.73, Table 4.11) and effect sizes associated with clinical decision-making (d = 1.33). A ‎predictive performance model delineates the trajectory of learning: Performance = 0.71(Tolerance) − 0.33(Acute Stress) + 0.40(Team Sup-‎port) − 0.15(Technical Issues) (Equation 6.9, p. 250).‎

    The findings validate VPS as a cognitive enhancer and emotional support system in medical education, particularly in GCC contexts where ‎data on VPS is scarce. The results of this investigation demonstrate that structured simulation can improve diagnostic reasoning, enhance ‎confidence, and alleviate tension when implemented according to psychologically responsive design principles‎.

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    Jaber, F. A. ., Al-Balasmeh, H., Jaber, N. A. ., Jaber, A. A. ., Abdulsattar, S. S. ., & Mahmood, A. . (2025). Emotional and Cognitive Impact of Virtual Patient Simulation ‎on Medical Students in The GCC: A Mixed-Methods Study. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(5), 174-186. https://doi.org/10.14419/6j5jt488